Attack on tourists: Minister assures of stern action

Says a DSP is inquiring with forest officials and tourists

DINDIGUL

Minister for Forests C. Srinivasan on Sunday said stern and impartial action would be initiated against those involved in the alleged attack on some local tourists near Mannavanur recently.

Talking to media persons after taking part in the public grievances camp held at Thamaraipadi near here, he said, “I came to know of the incident only through newspaper reports. An inquiry was on to find out whether forest officials committed a mistake or the tourists behaved rudely. I would not hesitate to take serious action against whoever had committed the mistake.”

Deputy Superintendent of Police M. Chandran was conducting an inquiry with the forest officials and the tourists, he added.

Mr. Srinivasan refused to comment on the remarks made by Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam that he had agreed for the merger of two factions of the AIADMK on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Minister also attended special grievance camps held in Nagampatti, Selaiyur and North Kallathupatti in the district and received 500 petitions from the public.

The alleged attack by the forest personnel on the tourists came to light when nine local tourists, who were admitted to Kodaikanal Government Hospital for treatment on February 14, alleged that they were attacked by forest personnel near Mannavanur on upper Kodaikanal hill.

But the forest officials said they had entered reserve forest area illegally and started a fire. When the tourists were warned against doing so, they ignored the warning. So they were fined, the officials added.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh pasted posters condemning the forest officials and demanding immediate action against them.

Various organisations, including tourist van operators, had also decided to take to the streets in Kodaikanal and planned a protest rally and a demonstration at Moonjikkal on Tuesday over the issue. Members of associations of taxi drivers, tourist van drivers, travel company owners and tourist vehicle operators too decided to join the stir.